Acclaimed Choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui Wins Prestigious Ultima Prize, Reflects on Career

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, 47, led the Ballet Opera Vlaanderen company from 2015 to 2022 before being promoted to artistic director of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. Known to the general public for his collaborations with stars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Alanis Morissette, the choreographer of Moroccan origin also runs his own dance company in Antwerp. As a first life lesson, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui mentions discomfort. "I realized over time that tension is sometimes necessary, because it can be a source of new warmth, opportunities or conversations... It is often during uncomfortable situations that your creativity is most tested..." he explains.

The choreographer’s other life lesson is that there is a time for everything, he who dreamed at 17 of dancing for Madonna. "It didn’t happen at the time, but 30 years later, the choreographer Damien Jalet and I are working together on Madonna’s new show. The fact that it takes so long for a desire to become a reality says a lot. In the meantime, the desire was no longer as strong, but such a desire remains in a certain way with you," confides the multicultural man who accepts differences. "I am gay, Belgian and Moroccan. I therefore know how important it is not to cling to a single truth and to understand that there are different points of view."

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui also talks about the acceptance of confusion, another life lesson. "Life is made up of changes. Accepting periods of confusion can allow you to question yourself, explore new paths and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you," he says, asking not to believe everything others say about you. "Being gay, Moroccan or Flemish, that limits your identity. These labels never really reflect who you really are," he assures.

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui also emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, tolerance and mutual understanding. He calls for change and patience and not to be locked into reductive labels. Life lessons that call for diversity, the promotion of dialogue and surpassing oneself to get out of the uncomfortable situations of life.